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Introduction <p>There are a variety of experiences that LGBTQ + people encounter during their coming out process. However, little is known about the impact of coming out on offending and desistance trajectories. To better understand this, the current study explores the coming out process of formerly incarcerated LGBTQ + people.</p> Methods <p>This study qualitatively explores the life-course development of formerly incarcerated LGBTQ + people using data from life history interviews with 25 LGBTQ + people who have been incarcerated in a jail or prison for at least a month. These qualitative interviews were conducted from July to December of 2022. This article considers (1) the recognition and understanding of LGBTQ + identity, (2) the factors that shape coming out, (3) the links between coming out, offending, and desistance, and (4) coming out experiences within criminal legal contexts.</p> Results <p>Findings demonstrate diverse experiences with coming out across the life-course, which were often shaped by generational and religious forces. Findings showed that coming out functioned as a developmental turning point in three main ways, including increases and decreases in offending. Furthermore, coming out within criminal legal contexts was met with discrimination.</p> Conclusion <p>This study shows that queer turning points have an impact on the offending and desistance trajectories of LGBTQ + people. It also presents opportunities for future research to obtain a deeper understanding of the experiences of LGBTQ + people in the criminal legal system.</p> Policy Implications <p>This article further illuminates the need for better policies, especially in carceral environments, that protect and create space for LGBTQ + people to develop and thrive in their identities. Within carceral settings, I recommend LGBTQ + cultural competency training for carceral administration and staff and the creation of LGBTQ + social support groups as a first step to improving the lives of LGBTQ + people who have contact with the criminal legal system.</p>

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“I’m Out Here Living My Best Life. Hallelujah on Being Queer!”: A Qualitative Exploration of the Coming Out Process Among Formerly Incarcerated LGBTQ + People

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年2月1日

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  • Skyler Morgan

摘要

Introduction

There are a variety of experiences that LGBTQ + people encounter during their coming out process. However, little is known about the impact of coming out on offending and desistance trajectories. To better understand this, the current study explores the coming out process of formerly incarcerated LGBTQ + people.

Methods

This study qualitatively explores the life-course development of formerly incarcerated LGBTQ + people using data from life history interviews with 25 LGBTQ + people who have been incarcerated in a jail or prison for at least a month. These qualitative interviews were conducted from July to December of 2022. This article considers (1) the recognition and understanding of LGBTQ + identity, (2) the factors that shape coming out, (3) the links between coming out, offending, and desistance, and (4) coming out experiences within criminal legal contexts.

Results

Findings demonstrate diverse experiences with coming out across the life-course, which were often shaped by generational and religious forces. Findings showed that coming out functioned as a developmental turning point in three main ways, including increases and decreases in offending. Furthermore, coming out within criminal legal contexts was met with discrimination.

Conclusion

This study shows that queer turning points have an impact on the offending and desistance trajectories of LGBTQ + people. It also presents opportunities for future research to obtain a deeper understanding of the experiences of LGBTQ + people in the criminal legal system.

Policy Implications

This article further illuminates the need for better policies, especially in carceral environments, that protect and create space for LGBTQ + people to develop and thrive in their identities. Within carceral settings, I recommend LGBTQ + cultural competency training for carceral administration and staff and the creation of LGBTQ + social support groups as a first step to improving the lives of LGBTQ + people who have contact with the criminal legal system.